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Application Process: |
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Please read TIG’s
Volunteer Travel's 4 steps of application
- There
is only one option for applying to volunteer in Ghana through our
program. You will have to apply online by filling an application
form. TIG does not charge application fees because it is sponsored.
You are expected to pay half deposit of the total amount towards
your accommodation and food and this has to be reserved early. (
within 14 days of your confirmation of placement)
- Once we
get your application, we will immediately process it. We go over
your application carefully and find the best location for you. All
volunteers stay in our safe house that also accommodates the Head
office of VPWA a few stretches away. The details of your placements,
we pass it on to you. The placement details have local contact
information use them for contacts on your Visa application. You
should not hesitate to contact us anytime during this process.
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Preparation for trips should include reading about Ghana,
immunization, travel Visa (entry permit), and booking airfare. If
you face any problems our coordinators are ready to assist you 24/7.
- Now,
once you purchase your ticket, send your flight information to our
office by email. We will arrange your free airport pick up!
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Visa : |
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Though volunteers can get
visa upon arrival in Accra, we very strongly suggest volunteers get a
tourist visa in their home country before departing for Ghana. It saves
your time and hassles of filling forms, and waiting in long lines in the
Accra airport. |
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Health and safety : |
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Volunteers should be aware
of all health and safety information before traveling to
Ghana. We suggest you visit some of the websites listed below.
WHO website for
international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
General Health Tips for
Ghana
• Dress conservatively.
Don't wear expensive-looking jewellery. . As much as possible, avoid the
appearance of affluence.
• Carry the minimum amount
of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to
conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when
locked in your big bags.
• When you leave your home
country, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting.
Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws
and customs of the places you plan to visit. On arrival, TIG of VPWA
will take you through some orientation. But generally feel comfortable,
Ghana is great place with so much freedom. |
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Vaccination : |
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You can use Center for
Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov.) Consult
a travel doctor about current epidemics and health risks.
Recommended Vaccinations
and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may
be recommended for your travel to West Africa including Ghana . Discuss
your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to
determine which vaccines you will need.
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis B
- Malaria
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Meningitis
- Rabies
- Typhoid
Required Vaccinations
A certificate of yellow
fever vaccination may be required for entry into Ghana . For detailed
information, see
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by
Country . |
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Money Matter : |
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What is the exchange rate?
Where should I change my dollars? Can I use debit card or credit card?
Should I bring travellers checks?
Exchange Rate vary from
time to time. You are encouraged to visit www.xe.com to determine
up to date exchange rate of your home currency and that of Ghana.
It is safe to use your
VISA ATM card at ATM’s in Ghana. You are however cautioned not to use it
for payment in shops. For this reason, visa ATM cards, cash and
travellers checks are suggested to settle most accounts. You will have
trouble paying with traveller’s checks, but you will be able to exchange
them at local banks .Traveller’s checks are safe way to carry money with
you but it can take weeks to get your money from the bank sometimes,
make sure you write down the check numbers and contact information you
need to cancel stolen checks. Different brands of traveller’s checks
work better in different countries so consult your local financial
institution about which company you should buy your checks from.
Travellers should have a
credit card for large and emergency purchases so you won't go broke if
something goes wrong. If you've requested a pin number for your credit
card, you can use it to get cash advances at the ATM.
You can also carry a debit
card that can be used at ATM's to withdraw local currency. When using
ATM's, be advised to bring a friend along, travel directly from the bank
back to your home and stash your cash. Find a private, well disguised
place to hide any cash. When you are carrying cash, break it up into
different amounts and keep it in different pockets so if you get robbed
you won't lose everything. You can give your money for safe keep to the
Director of TIG-VPWA only and no other employee or colleague. |
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Field Support and supervision: |
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How does TIG-VPWA help me
when I am in the field? How can I maintain communication? Does TIG-VPWA
visit volunteers?
Because we are a local
organization and your safe and comfort in your service to Ghana’s
Education here is our priority. We maintain constant communication daily
with out volunteers. VPWA office is also near to where volunteers’ live
and you can come by the office anytime to use internet and interact with
staff and other volunteers. We maintain a highly cordial friendship with
our volunteers. You are considered a partner and not just an ordinary
volunteer. This is our mark that makes us different from other
organizations |
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Communication : |
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How do I communicate with
my family? TIG-VPWA staffs? Is there internet?
Volunteers are request to
bring their mobile phone. Once you arrive in Ghana, you can change SIM-card
and use the SIM card that was sent to you by TIG coordinator. This is
the perfect way to stay in touch with your family. Internet access is
available at VPWA office and volunteers can come to use it for free.
There is an internet café in the suburb of Pokuase where our volunteers
will stay too. If you are staying for longer, you can bring your laptop
and enjoy our free Wi-Fi set up. Most Internet Café are open 8am to 9pm
Monday to Saturday. Prices are very inexpensive. International phone
calling is easy in Accra from any SIM card including the one send to you
by VPWA. TIG Coordinator will orient you on how to load credit on your
phone and use it in calling. |
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Climate of Ghana: |
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Yahoo Weather forecast ( http://weather.yahoo.com )
Weather channel ( http://www.weather.com )
Weather Underground ( http://www.wunderground.com )
Ghana has a tropical
equatorial climate, which means that it's hot year-round with seasonal
rains. In the humid southern coastal region, the rainy seasons are from
April to June, and during September and October. Throughout the year,
maximum temperatures are around 30`celcius, dropping three or four
degrees during the brief respite between rainy seasons. The humidity is
constantly high, at about 80%. In the central region, the rains are
heavier and last longer. In the hotter and drier north, there is one
rainy season, lasting from April to October. Midday temperatures rarely
fall below 30`celcius, rising to 35` and higher during December to March
when the Harmattan wind blows in from the Sahara. At this time, dust
particles hang heavily in the air making it constantly hazy, and
temperatures plummet at night.
Source: Lonely Planet West
Africa |
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Materials to Bring |
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Most of stuffs of daily
use are available in Ghana at a cheaper price. However, we suggest
volunteers pack the following things.
• Camera
• Mobile phone (you can use mobile phone after changing sim card)
• Mosquito repellents
• Insect repellents
• Sun-block
• Some books about Ghana
• Map of Ghana
• Toiletries
• First aid kit
• Flash light
• Electricity adopter/converter
• Sun glasses
• Footwear (for work and travel)
• Towel |
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Gift for Project |
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It is a common courtesy to
bring a small gift for the school. Please bring pencils, pens and paper,
art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, and games.
Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring
a bunch of one thing. |
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